Britain’s community spirit is under pressure – with nearly half of Brits (48%) saying that community spaces and charities have disappeared, while a third (33%) report that their community feels as though it’s “struggling”.

New research from Selco Builders Warehouse, surveying 2,000 Brits, paints a worrying picture of communities in decline. A third of Brits (31%) now believe their community has worsened over the past five years.

Yet the appetite for change is clear. An overwhelming 85% say community projects make a real difference to people’s lives – and a further four in five (83%) say increased funding would make them feel more hopeful about the future of where they live.

Despite this, grassroots initiatives are being held back. Four in five (79%) say local projects struggle due to a lack of funding, while three-quarters (75%) believe the people behind them don’t get the recognition they deserve.

To combat the lack of funding, Selco Builders Warehouse has teamed up with TV tradesperson Rob Bent to launch its Community Heroes campaign – a £62,000 funding pot designed to support the local charities, clubs and groups holding communities together.

The campaign celebrates the unsung heroes at the heart of neighbourhoods and gives them the tools, materials and funding they need to go even further.

Running since 2021, Community Heroes has already delivered thousands of pounds to good causes, with 2025 seeing £57,500 distributed to local projects.

Supporting the campaign, Rob Bent said: “Community projects are the heartbeat of local areas. They bring us together and make a real difference but too often run on passion alone. Grassroots initiatives often lack the support they deserve, so I’m excited to be partnering with Selco to recognise those going above and beyond.

“I’m proud to support the Community Heroes campaign and can’t wait to see the impact it has across the country.”

The Community Heroes fund is open to any community group, club or charity that would benefit from building supplies or funding to improve their local area.

Each month, one winner – selected by Rob Bent and a Selco panel – will receive £2,000 worth of building supplies to spend at their local Selco store, along with a place in the final vote. Two runners-up will also receive £1,000 worth of building supplies each. At the end of the year, the monthly winners will go forward to a public vote, where first place will be awarded £15,000, with second and third place receiving £10,000 and £5,000 respectively.

The campaign hopes to further strengthen communities across the UK as research revealed that four-fifths (83%) of people say increased funding for local projects would make them feel more hopeful about the future of their area.

Research also found that three in four (76%) believe local tradespeople play an important role in laying the foundations for stronger communities, highlighting the industry’s vital role in improving local areas.

Through funding and access to building materials, Selco hopes to have a real impact on the development of the small community projects that are building brighter futures for their local areas.

Applications are now open, with groups encouraged to put themselves forward or nominate a local cause that deserves support.

Entries close on 30th November, with the overall winner crowned in January 2027.

Find out more and apply: https://www.selcobw.com/info/selco-community-heroes